NBA All-Star Game 2012 Start Time: Why You Should Ditch Oscars for NBA Action

Sure, you could watch the Oscars tonight and be that guy. Or, you could watch the NBA All-Star Game like a true sports fan.

I mean, if you'd rather watch a tearful and scripted acceptance speech over an off-the-backboard-reverse-slam alley-oop, be my guest.

If you'd rather watch clips from films you'll never see and will never even attempt to watch rather than see the greatest basketball players in the world scoring at will because nobody plays any defense in the game, go for it.

If you'd rather sit through categories you could care less about like best "costume design" or "sound mixing" instead of watching any sporting event in the world, well, I don't really get that.

To each their their own, I guess.

But in case you're feeling some strange Oscars itch but plan on watching the All-Star game, here are a few awards from the first half of the NBA season to cure you of your odd desire, along with the start times for the coverage and game tonight.

The NBA: Where actual drama happens.

Actor in a Supporting Role: Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

The mayor of Lob City has paired with Blake Griffin to make the Clippers relevant once again (oh, and in case you think he a lead actor, good point guards are always supporting roles. That's where the whole assists thing comes into play).

Best Director: Doug Collins, Philadelphia 76ers

Did you think the Sixers would be 20-14 at the break atop the Atlantic Division standings at the All-Star break?

Of course you didn't. Collins has the Sixers playing inspired basketball.

Best Actor in a Leading Role: LeBron James, Miami Heat

It's hard to argue with a performance like 27.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 6.8 rebounds per game, which LeBron gave in the NBA's first half.

James is like Leonardo DiCaprio in The Departed—he's surrounded by a talented cast (Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh for LeBron, Mark Wahlberg, Matt Damon and Jack Nicholson for DiCaprio) but he's stealing the show.

Best Picture: Linsanity

The story of Jeremy Lin this year is hard to beat. Hell, it will probably be a movie some day.

Right after the Tim Tebow movie, I'm sure.

See, isn't this so much better than some crummy awards show? Here's your schedule for tonight:

Network: TNT

Coverage Begins: 6 p.m. (EST)

Game Begins: 7:30 p.m. (EST)

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets are more entertaining than the Slam Dunk Contest.